URINARY BLOCKAGE

THE BLOCKED CAT

THIS IS AN EMERGENCY

 
(original graphic by marvistavet.com)

RECOGNIZING THE EMERGENCY

We have already described the signs of Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (F.I.C.) as straining to urinate, bloody urine etc. If the cat is a male, he is at risk for an especially life-threatening complication of this syndrome: the urinary blockage.

Mucus, crystals and even tiny bladder stones can clump together to form an actual plug in the narrow male cat urethra. The opening is so small that it does not take a lot to completely or even partially obstruct urine flow. Only a few drops of urine are produced or sometimes no urine at all is produced.

It is hard to tell when a cat is actually blocked as the inflammation, urgency, and non-productive straining also accompany cystitis whether or not there is a blockage. The easiest way to tell is by actually feeling in the belly for the presence of a distended bladder. It is often the size of a peach and about as hard and firm as a peach if it there is an obstruction. (Normal bladders are usually soft like partly filled water balloons and non-obstructed inflamed bladders are usually very small or empty). Still, while this size and texture difference is obvious to the veterinarian, most pet owners are not able to feel for the bladder correctly. If there is any question about whether a male cat is blocked, he should be taken to the vet for evaluation as soon as possible.

If the blockage persists 3-6 days, the toxin build up will result in death. 

DO NOT PUT OFF HAVING THE CAT CHECKED!

If the blockage persists for longer than 24 hours,
urinary toxins will have started to build up in the system. 

Fortunately, most cats are successfully unblocked. The urinary catheter is sewn in place and will stay in place for a couple of days. Often a urinary collection bag is attached to the catheter so that urine production can be measured. Sometimes, the bladder is filled with sterile fluid and flushed out to remove crystals, inflammatory debris, and blood. 

A urine collection bag in use: note that the urine is red with blood.
In this particular patient the urine was yellow again by the next day. 
(original graphic by marvistavet.com)

When the blocked cat has filled his bladder to capacity, his kidneys stop making urine as there is no where for it to go. Once urine flow returns, the kidneys quickly begin to correct the metabolic disasters that have been taking place. Often an extremely sick blocked cat can be snatched from the jaws of death by having proper fluid support and by re-establishing urine production. It is amazing how efficient the working kidneys can be in restoring the body’s balance; still, it is important to realize that this is a very serious condition and not every cat can be saved.

Occasionally a cat is brought in soon after blocking and achieves an excellent urinary stream immediately after unblocking. These cats may be able to proceed with treatment without having to spend a few days in the hospital or without having to have the catheter sewn into place. Most blocked cats do not fit into this category but is important to realize that some cats are able to avoid more aggressive treatment.

Further, in the event of extreme budget limitations on the owner’s part, a blocked cat can be unblocked quickly and returned to the owner for aftercare. This is not a good idea as the cat is likely to need additional support for the best chance of survival; still, given that leaving the cat blocked would be cruel and ultimately end in the cat’s death, this may be an alternative in some cases.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING HOSPITALIZATION?

After a couple of days of catheterization, the catheter is removed and the patient is observed for re-blockage. He will not be allowed to go home until his urine stream seems strong and relatively easy. Some cats will leak urine at this point as it is painful for them to engage in normal pushing; this is generally a temporary problem. Once he seems to be urinating reliably on his own, he will be released for home care.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR AT HOME AFTER DISCHARGE FROM THE HOSPITAL

In an ideal world, owners can learn how to feel the abdomen for the presence of the firm obstructed bladder. This is hard to teach at discharge mostly because at this point, the cat is pretty sore. There will usually be medications and dietary recommendations to go home with the cat.

It is especially crucial to realize that the cat is at risk for re-blocking
for a good week or two from the time of discharge.
This is because the irritation syndrome that led to blocking in the first place
is still continuing and as long as the episode continues, blocking is a possibility. 

At home, the same straining and possibly bloody urine will still be produced. It is important for the owner to be aware of urine volume being produced and of bladder size, if possible. Any loss of appetite or vomiting should be reported to the veterinarian at once. If there is any concern about re-blocking, the veterinarian can determine fairly easily if the cat has re-blocked even if the pet owner cannot.

Most cats recovery uneventfully and most do not need continuing medication after they have recovered. Some cats, especially if they have blocked before, will require on-going preventive treatment. Once the cat is no longer obstructed, management is the same as for any other cat with feline idiopathic cystitis that is not obstructed. For more details, click here.

Occasionally the bladder over-stretches while it is blocked and is permanently damaged. Such cats require special medication to help them contract and empty their bladders normally. This is unusual but one should be aware of the possibility.

THE PERINEAL URETHROSTOMY Urinary blockage is almost exclusively a problem reserved for males. This is because the female urethra is shorter and broader and thus far more difficult to obstruct. When urinary blockage becomes recurrent in a male cat, it becomes time to consider surgical reconstruction of the genitalia to create a more female-like opening. This surgery is called the Perineal Urethrostomy or “PU” for short. Basically, the penis is removed and a new urinary opening is made. Before considering this surgery, here are some considerations:

Cat with a new perineal urethrostomy. (Photocredit: Kong Yuen Sing via YouTube.com)

• This surgery is done to prevent obstruction of the urinary tract. It does not prevent Feline Idiopathic Cystitis. This means the cat is likely to continue to experience recurring bloody urine, straining etc. He just will not be able to block and complicate the situation.
• Cats with perineal urethrostomies are predisposed to bladder infections and infection related bladder stones. The University of Minnesota currently recommends that male cats with perineal urethrostomies have regular periodic urine cultures even if they are asymptomatic. Expect a general schedule for your cat to have screening urine cultures at your vet's office.
  

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING THIS PROCEDURE FOR YOUR CAT:

• The metabolic complications from the urinary blockage should be resolved before the surgery is performed. In some emergency situations this is not possible (the male cat cannot always be unblocked with a urinary catheter and a new urinary opening may have to be constructed on an emergency basis.) Residual urinary toxin build up is an important risk factor that should be eliminated or minimized if possible.
• Shredded paper or pelleted newspaper litter should be used during the 10 days following surgery. Clay and sand litter may stick to the incision and disrupt healing.
• The most serious complication that can occur post-operatively is scar (“stricture”) formation. This causes a narrowing of the urinary opening and the surgery may have to be revised.
• In theory, local nerve damage can occur during the surgery leading to urinary and/or fecal incontinence. Obviously these are disasters for a household pet but fortunately this is a very rare complication.
• As mentioned, regular urine cultures are recommended for cats with perineal urethrostomies.

Page last updated: 10/30/2018